Commuter option

Hello all. Apologies if this has been asked and answered recently, but I couldn't see anything similar. Currently commuting to work (20-25 miles round trip) and looking for some new wheels to do it on. However, very limited budget (in bike terms) of £500, and that's the absolute max. So was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. Noticed the lower end of the Specialized Sirrus range scrapes in under the mark, but I know next to nothing about road bikes (transferring from MTB) so I don't know if there's better value for money out there. Anything in particular I should be looking for, or avoiding?

Thanks,

- Andrew

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dave atkinson[6262 posts]6 years ago

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Not much wrong with a Sirrus, or a Trek FX for that matter. The former is a bit of a lower riding position which might suit if your commute is fairly lengthy. You can also get a Specialized Allez for £500 which we haven't tested yet but looks to be super value.

Other options? Giant Rapid 4 or Defy 4, Trek 1.1, I think Land Rover do a decent spec flat bar machine for about £450 too

If your commute isn't too hilly, I'd recommend a single-speed road bike. No gears means four less components to go wrong, two less cables to snap, perfect chainline for much less wear on the chain, and cleaning is just a once-a-month hose-down job instead of half-an-hour per week faffing around with degreasers and tiny brushes. Your 500 quid budget will get you something good, rather than something bottom-of-the-range with Shimano or Campy's cheapest, most plasticy components. If you shop around you might even have some change left from your 500 quid budget to buy accessories (mudguard, lights, bag, etc.) There are loads of choices, but I'd recommend Kona's Paddy Wagon, which is steel for extra comfort, and has the eyelets for full-length mudguards. That said, it has been getting trendier in recent years, to appeal more to the hipster crowd, so there may be better options these days.

The thing I like about the various Giant Defys is that despite being frighteningly competitively priced they still look cool and funky and there don't appear to be any nasty corners cut. Plus you really can fit a rack and their own clever mudguard set for £30. Best of all no one will ever accuse you of being susceptible to buying a 'cool' brand for its own sake. Rather like driving a plain sensible VW, it neither marks you out as being a flash git, nor a cheapskate who doesn't care about engineering.

Did a few miles over the weekend to get used to the narrower bars, and gear changing with break levers (which crazy person came up with that idea!), but first time out in traffic with it today - and it's a pleasure to ride. Not knowing anything much about road bikes, I don't have anything to compare it too, but so far so good!